You’ve picked out your tire chains. You know your size, you know your pattern, and then you see this: Cam or Non-Cam. What does that even mean?
It’s one of the most common questions we get. Let’s walk through what a cam is, how it works, and how to decide if you need them!
What Is a Cam?
A cam lock is a small built-in part of the chain that helps tighten it around your tire. Think of it like a belt buckle. When you twist it, it pulls the chain snug so everything stays in place while you drive.
You’ll mostly find cams on semi-truck and heavy-duty pickup chains, though some SUV chains use them too. Once the chain is on the tire, you rotate each cam to make it tight and secure.
You don’t technically need rubber adjusters with cam chains, but adding them can give you extra peace of mind, especially on long drives.
What Is a Cam Tool?
A cam tool or cam wrench is what you use to turn the cams. It fits right into the slot on the cam and gives you leverage to tighten it.
Here’s how it works:
- Slide the tool into the cam
- Twist until snug
- That’s it! Your chain is tight and ready to go
Most cam chains come with a cam tool, but if you lose yours, you can easily grab a replacement here.
What’s a Non-Cam Chain?
Non-cam chains are the classic style. They don’t have cams built in, so you’ll need to tighten them using rubber tensioners or bungees.
They’re simple and effective, especially for off-road setups or drivers who already have tensioners on hand.
Quick breakdown:
- You’ll tighten them manually
- You’ll need a separate tensioner
- They have a simpler, more traditional design
Types of Tensioners
Pros and Cons
| Feature | Cam Chains | Non-Cam Chains |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Fast and convenient | Manual tightening needed |
| Setup Speed | Quicker, great in cold weather | Takes a little longer |
| Tools Needed | Cam tool | Rubber adjusters |
| Price | Slightly higher | More affordable |
| Best For | Frequent or heavy-duty use | Occasional or off-road use |
Cam chains save time when your hands are freezing and you just want to get going. Non-cam chains cost less and work just as well when installed correctly with adjusters.
Which One Should You Get?
If you want the fastest, most secure fit, go with cam chains. For the best results, still use rubber adjusters.
If you’re on a budget or already have tensioners, non-cam chains are a great choice. Just make sure they’re pulled tight before you start driving.
👉 Need tensioners or a cam tool?
Final Thoughts
Still not sure which one fits your setup? Contact us here or call 866.437.5883 and our team of chain experts can help!